234 HEROES OF SCIENCE. 



to many of the attacks upon it, and later on wrote 

 a work which was not published in the " Elements 

 of Agriculture." Illness again seized him, and he 

 died in 1797. 



Hutton was such an observer of facts that he 

 rarely read any books of a theoretical nature, and 

 he never would concede anything to mere authority. 

 He was indefatigable in study, and wrote largely, 

 expressing his thoughts constantly with his pen. 

 He rose late, and began to study at once, and until 

 early dinner. He rarely dined from home, and 

 was a most sparing eater, and he drank no wine. 

 After dinner he resumed his studies, or, if the 

 weather was fine, walked for two or three hours, 

 when he could not be said to give up study, 

 though he might, perhaps, change the object of it. 

 He rarely departed from this kind of life, except 

 when he was travelling. To his friends his con- 

 versation was inestimable ; as great talents, the 

 most perfect candour, and the utmost simplicity of 

 character and manners, all united to stamp a value 

 upon it. His slender, active figure, thin counte- 

 nance, high forehead, and somewhat aquiline nose, 

 gave him the appearance of being acute and 

 vigorous in body and mind. He was full of ardour 

 and enthusiasm, gay and humorous, and most 

 forcible in argument. The man's simplicity, deter- 

 mination, and desire for truth, his carelessness of 

 the opinion of men, and his great regard for his 

 fellow labourers who were not led away by preju- 

 dice and authority, were his great characteristics. 



